As of 10 a.m. this morning, the Small Business Relief Grant Program has opened, and you can apply by clicking on this link! Below is our write-up on the program from October 23.

Governor DeWine, Lieutenant Governor Husted, Senate President Obhof and Speaker Cupp announced the creation of the Small Business Relief Grant Program. This program will have $125 million allocated to it and will be eligible to businesses employing no more than 25 individuals.

This program was included in a larger proposal which allocates a total of $429.5 million aimed at providing relief to industries and sectors that have been adversely impacted by COVID-19. The other programs include support for hospitals in rural areas, bars and restaurants, higher education, rental assistance and non-profits among others.

The Small Business Relief Grant Program is designed to provide necessary relief to Ohio businesses that have been negatively impacted by the effects of COVID-19. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $10,000 grants ensuring the survival and stability of these crucial businesses. These funds can be used for any of the following:

• Personal protective equipment to protect employees, customers or clients from COVID-19.
• Measures taken to protect employees, customers or clients from COVID-19.
• Mortgage or rent payments for business premises (personal residences explicitly excluded).
• Utility payments (excludes utilities for personal residences and cellular phones not used primarily for business purposes).
• Salaries, wages or compensation paid to contractors or employees, including an employer’s share of health insurance costs.
• Business supplies or equipment.

This announcement came during a press conference this afternoon which featured each of the four leaders previously mentioned as well as many members from the Ohio House and Ohio Senate. This proposal will now go through the Controlling Board which is scheduled to meet on Monday, October 26. Once this package is approved, the application period will begin on November 2.

Over the course of the past few months, many people have worked on coming up with programs to assist small businesses. We would be remiss if we did not thank them for their efforts, notably, Treasurer of State, Robert Sprague and Auditor of State, Keith Faber. The announcement today will certainly help small businesses at an extremely crucial time.

For more information on this program and others, as well as to apply for this grant, please go to www.BusinessHelp.Ohio.Gov.